Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2016 legislative session began on Tuesday, and we are in for a fast-paced, 10-week session. Here is an update about what is happening in Saint Paul.
Tax Conference Committee
You may recall that last session, House Republicans passed a middle class tax relief bill that benefits people across the state including seniors, families, college students, veterans and small businesses. It was not passed through the DFL-controlled Senate, however. Both Tom Bakk (at the Minnesota Chamber Dinner on Tuesday) and Governor Dayton (at his State of the State address on Wednesday) have given signals that they would like to see a gas tax increase, something that would really harm the people of Chisago County, many of whom have 100 mile commutes to and from the Twin Cities each day. I stand firm against increasing the gas tax, especially when other solutions exist to fix, repair and expand our aging roads in Minnesota.
Now that we have reconvened, a bipartisan tax conference committee between the House and Senate has been set up to negotiate a final tax relief bill that I hope will end up on the governor's desk for signature in the coming weeks. As Vice-Chair of the House Tax Committee, I was one of five House members named to the conference committee and look forward to advocating for middle class tax relief that will work for the people of Chisago County and against a gas tax increase that will harm our families.
I will keep you updated on tax relief legislation, and other important bills as they move forward this session.
Prescription Drug Disposal Legislation
As many people know, the issue of prescription drug abuse is a very serious one both nationally and in Minnesota. In fact, opioid pain relievers are involved in three times more overdose deaths in our country than cocaine. Heroin is also an increasingly very serious problem. The issues with both are very much linked. The use of prescriptions opioids and heroin resulted in over 20,000 deaths in 2013. Experts around the country and lawmakers on both side of aisle are deeply concerned and trying hard to reverse the trend of death and destruction caused by these drugs.
Next Wednesday, March 16th, I will be presenting my bill, House File 1503, to the Health and Human Services Policy Committee. This bill will help pharmacies safely get rid of unused or expired prescription drugs and controlled substances. You may remember that Chisago County created an excellent pharmaceutical recycling program a few years back. My bill would allow pharmacies throughout the state to collect and dispose of prescription drugs from consumers, as well as long-term care facilities who handle these drugs on behalf of their patients.
When we have a system set up to properly dispose of prescription medications, it helps keep them out of the hands of people who would sell them illegally for profit, preying on others who use and abuse them.
Road Construction in Chisago County
I wanted to be sure that people in our community know about a significant road construction project taking place on Highway 8 between Highway 95 in Franconia and Bench Street in Taylors Falls. The construction will be ongoing beginning in late spring and lasting through the fall of 2016. Highway 8 will be closed to through traffic, with detours provided, and local access will be maintained to Interstate State Park throughout construction.
The project on Highway 8 is very much needed as it will improve intersection safety, fix pavement and the drainage system, stabilize the surface below the road and improve traffic flow in the area.
You can find out more about the project here: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy8/
***
Many thanks go out to you for the honor of representing Chisago County in the Minnesota House. It’s a privilege to be your state representative.
Sincerely,
Bob